June 7, 2010
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ACTS OF KINDNESS
Do you treat others
the way you want to be treated?

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Matt. 7:12

As Christ began teaching upon a mountain top near the Sea of Galilee, His disciples and other onlookers gathered to hear His proclamations.  He summed up His teaching with the quoted words of encouragement that would become known as the “Golden Rule”. 

People who treat others the way they wish to be treated suffer less from nervous disorders, heart trouble and personal conflicts. It not only wins us favor with God but often with our fellow man. I recently came across this story that helps illustrate the point.
 
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to eke out a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog.

Dropping his tools, he ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse
surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

“I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son's life.”

“No, I can't accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied,
waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.

“Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.

“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud of.” And that he did.

In time, Farmer Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London.  He eventually became known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years later, the nobleman’s son was stricken with pneumonia, only to be saved by Penicillin. The name of the nobleman was Lord Randolph Churchill. His son was none other than Sir Winston Churchill.

We just never know when God may use a single act of kindness to change the world! Let’s take the time to notice the needs of others, to consider how we would want to be treated and to serve one another with love.

The Power of Truth:

“…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.  Matt. 25:40

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Suggestion for Prayer:

Thank God for the blessings in your life and ask Him how you might serve those around you.